If you’ve ever struggled with a small dining space and not having enough elbow room at meal time, you’ll enjoy this collection of nine nooks that incorporate both beauty and functionality.
When you have a small dining area, a round table gives the illusion of more space. Play up the area with pretty slip covered chairs and a snazzy circular light fixture. Plenty of windows also creates the illusion of space so consider the possibility of adding a window or two if that’s an option.
Photo by Red Leaf Interiors, LLC
An oval table creates the illusion of space, as well. The lack of square corners makes it easier to pull up an extra chair or two.
Photo by Kathryn Ivey Interiors
Consider using an extension table for a small dining space. You can accommodate more guests when needed, and then put the table back to normal size when not in use, thereby saving space during everyday living.
Photo by Nathan Taylor for Obelisk Home
Banquettes are a great way to save space since they’re tucked into a corner of the room. They create a cozy, intimate feel.
Photo by Lorin Hill, Architect
Drop-leaf tables are another space saving feature in a small dining space. This nook also enjoys a colorful banquette with ample windows that open up the room.
Photo by SpaceCraft Architecture
Be a decorator who views the glass half full and have fun when decorating a small dining space. Here, a fun retro booth setting makes an unforgettable visual impact in the home.
Create a cozy dining space by placing a table where it’s normally not expected. A vintage table provides an warm and inviting place for morning coffee or late night dessert. And if the light fixture isn’t where you place the table, use a pendant light with a hook to place the light where you need it.
Look at your home through fresh eyes and you’re sure to find a place where you can create a cozy cove for intimate dining.
Photo by Vicki Simon Interior Design
What’s your preference when dining in your home? Do you like a cozy, small dining space, or would you rather share a meal at a large table with a grand chandelier?
I would like a large table in a dining room for family dinners, and a small table in the kitchen for coffee, lunch, and dinner for myself. Unfortunately, I don’t have the former, so family dinners are held at my son or daughter’s house. They have large homes with plenty of space. I’ve had one dining room in my adult life and loved it, but since then have had only small eating areas. Your post shows how beautiful they can be.
I have a small.home too. For holiday family dinners, I bought a long rectangle folding table. I put a beautiful tablecloth on it and I use it in the middle of the living rm when I want to host family dinners.
I have a dining room butf i am planning to put a nook in my kitchen for myself. I know you get tired of my stories but we lived in an old house that had a breakfast nook at the end of the kitchen and windows on three sides i loved that area and want one of my own. Thanks for these ideas.
Great advice given here for small spaces and maximizing on area. Beautiful round french country dining tables shown. Those farmhouse dining chairs look familiar too!
Thanks so much for posting.
Love all the spaces. Thanks for posting.
Am I the only one who began singing Happy Days in my head after seeing the retro red banquette? Cute space! I saved all of these spaces as I am a fan of cozy spots to sit and eat or read. That last space right in front of those french doors with that book case right there and those pendant light fixtures would make a great spot to open the doors to enjoy the outside…in. I’m hoping I can get my husband or hire someone to build some little bookcases to create something similar. Great share Jennifer!
We are fortunate to have both — a formal dining room and a kitchen table, but the dining room table has become my husband’s office (sadly). We do eat breakfast in our kitchen, but dinners are usually spent in the den on the couch. This was a great share. Thanks, Jennifer.